Extreme breaks the rules, design by Bluemarlin

International branding and design agency bluemarlin has crafted 2D/3D-packaging design for Extreme, a new brand from Vimto Soft Drinks. The new beverage line is under licence from the Extreme Sports Company, and designed to target thrill-seekers and dreamers that love participating in and watching extreme sports. The brand's two initial offerings, Extreme Sport and Extreme Energy, hit shelves this month across the UK.
With the energy and sports drinks sector emerging as one of the fastest growing markets in the UK, Vimto saw an opportunity to disrupt the category with a brand specifically created for 'urban dreamers,' a target group comprised of young men known for their individualism, their enthusiasm for counter-culture and their addiction to extreme sports.
The challenge for bluemarlin's Bath studio was two-fold. The first was to capture the ever-shifting concept of "cool" within the design to appeal to these reactionary, iconoclastic youths. The second was to construct one structure within the parameters of PET bottle material that would work for both products.
By leveraging a recognisable logo and the pre-existing equity of licensing partner, the Extreme Sports Company, Vimto had a "badge" for the brand, but still required an impactful identity to take the brand into this new category. Inspiration came from the role non-conformity plays in society. Guided by the big idea of 'Raw Rebellion,' Extreme's graphics reflect the razor-edged sensibilities of street art and graffiti. The design fits seamlessly into the world that the urban dreamer knows, inhabits and thrives in – skate parks, BMX trails off-the-beaten path, and exotic surf tribes.
Working in perfect sync with the graphics, Extreme's unique structure continues to reinforce the brand's push-the-limits personality. Guyy Williams, bluemarlin's Creative Director of Structure remarks: "Extreme's structure is representative of non-conformist subcultures as well as extreme sports. The dynamic wave-like shapes embossed on the bottle's surface mirror skate ramps, and communicate the rigorous technicality and speed associated with extreme sports. The rugged and powerful structure gives Extreme strong stand out and forms an ergonomic design that is incredibly tactile."
"The new Extreme 2D/3D design by bluemarlin captures the essence of the Extreme brand. It pushes the boundaries of design, breaks category conventions and reflects the creativity and rebellion of our core target audience." Emma Hunt, Vimto Soft Drinks.